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France and Senegal meet in World Cup 2026 group stage match

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:00 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

France and Senegal meet in World Cup 2026 group stage match
Summary

France faces Senegal in a World Cup 2026 group stage match, kicking off at 3pm EST. Former Senegalese prime minister Othmane Sonoko predicts a victory for Senegal, emphasizing pride for Africa regardless of the result. The teams share a notable history, having last met in the tournament's 2002 opener where Senegal shocked the defending champions. Players and teams are set to take the field, continuing a rivalry steeped in history.

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By the Numbers
  • •Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm EST on June 16, 2026.
  • •Othmane Sonoko predicts Senegal's victory, referencing historical context.
  • •The teams last met in the World Cup 2002 opener.
  • •Senegal eliminated France in that tournament, marking a historic upset.
Latest Updates
  • 6:17 PMYahoo Sports — Watch as France begin World Cup campaign against Senegal
  • 5:33 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup: Olise and Upamecano start for France against Senegal
  • 5:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — France v Senegal: World Cup 2026 – live
What they're saying
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⚽ World Cup news: kick-off 3pm EST/8pm BST/5am AEST ⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Email Daniel There are some fixtures that need only the names of the teams to get us going and France v Senegal is one such, a meld of nostalgia, history and righteous indignation. “I think Senegal will win,” says Othmane Sonoko, former prime minister and speaker of the Senegalese parliament, “but in any case, whichever team wins, it is Africa that will have beaten Africa.” The teams, of course, met in the World Cup 2002 opener, a game which featured one of the great centre-forward displays from El-Hadji Diouf and one of the great celebrations following Papa Bouba Diop’s goal, which secured one of the great shocks. Nor did things improve for France thereafter, eliminated bottom of the group with one point and no goals, the worst-ever performance from a defending champion. The teams have not met since. Continue reading...

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World Cup favourites France face Senegal in the opening game of Group I in the 2026 World Cup. France lost one of the most dramatic World Cup finals in recent history against Argentina on penalties, w...

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Watch France versus Senegal in World Cup Group I live on BBC One, listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary and follow live text coverage.

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